CreditUnionNews

DEPTFORD, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) announced the relocation of its Moorestown Branch. They are now located in the East Gate Shopping Center 1180A Nixon Drive, Mt. Laurel, N.J. 08054. A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception was held on Wednesday, March 13th.

PITMAN, N.J. – ABCO FCU hosted their second Reality Fair at Pitman Middle School yesterday. The Reality Fair also received a special visit from New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride who received her own budget worksheet, interacted with students, and experienced the Reality Fair firsthand.

Liberty Savings FCU President/CEO Maria Solorzano was among 18 women from Jersey City that took a special bow Wednesday night during the city’s Women of Action awards ceremony. Solorzano was nominated by Councilwoman at Large Joyce Watterman.

DEPTFORD, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) presented a check in the amount of $25,000.00 to local representatives from AtlantiCare Foundation. The donation will be used for the Hammonton Health Park and the Cardiac Suite Expansion.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – On February 13, 2019, the membership of NBC(NY) Employees Federal Credit Union voted to merge with XCEL Federal Credit Union of Bloomfield, New Jersey. This merger will provide new opportunities, improved services, expanded locations, and a team of skilled member advocates dedicated to fostering financial wellness.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Recently, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind/Concordia Learning Center located in Jersey City, NJ invited XCEL FCU CEO Arlene Bernard and VP of Marketing Thomas Quigley to visit and tour their facility. St. Joseph’s is part of XCEL’s field of membership and one of its Select Employer Groups.

Credit Union of New Jersey makes first of three $25,000 donations for local technology center.

Credit Union of New Jersey recently donated $25,000 to SERV Behavioral Health System. The inaugural donation is set to recur for the next two years, totaling $75,000 to support the upcoming state-of-the-art SERV Technology Center.

The CULAC Executive Committee has confirmed state league nominations for two-year terms (2019-20) on CULAC Board of Trustees. CULAC, the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, is the CUNA-League System’s federal Political Action Committee, or PAC. Each has a seat on the Board of Trustees, which is filled by a league nominee who is then confirmed by the Executive Committee.

GLASSBORO, N.J. - As part of its continuing efforts to recognize the good deeds and works of the community, the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced this year’s winners of the 15th Annual Community Service Awards. This year the Chamber added a new award called the Benjamin Griffith Young Executive Award, named in honor of the Chamber's long-time member and leader, Ben Griffith. This award recognizes a young executive that has created a lasting impression on the community, much like Ben Griffith did during his tenure at the South Jersey Federal Credit Union.

MANVILLE, N.J. – Natalie R. Walkoviak, who served on the New Jersey Credit Union League and Manville Area FCU board of directors, died on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Eastern Star Home in Bridgewater. She was 85 years old.

WILLINGBORO, N.J. – ABCO FCU staff and members were proud to be a part of Operation Yellow Ribbon's "Treats for the Troops" program this year! ABCO branches were utilized as dropoff locations for cookie and other baked good donations for this program that aims to bring holiday cheer to troops serving overseas.

WILLINGBORO, N.J. – ABCO FCU is happy to announce that with the help from their members and staff, they were able to collect nearly 800 lbs. of food for the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. ABCO made an additional donation of $500 to support the initiative.

MT. LAUREL, N.J. – The South-Central Chapter held its annual holiday luncheon at Carlucci’s Waterfront Tuesday. There were some new faces amongst attendees as seven Emerging Leaders “crashed” the event.

South Jersey Biz magazine announced the winners of the 2018 Executive of the Year awards. 22 leaders were awarded for excelling in shaping the future business within South Jersey. Among the 22 winners is Ernest D. Huggard, President and CEO of South Jersey Federal Credit Union.

On Friday, October 26th, Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union’s Social Action Committee presented a check for $1,205 to Gabriel Ruiz, Founder and CEO of K9 Warriors Inc. to help with the cost of training K9s for Combat Veterans in our area. All CU employees make a donation for the privilege to wear jeans on Fridays and the money from this drive during the second and third quarter funded this donation.

HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – Credit union professionals from Credit Union of New Jersey, Members 1st of NJ FCU, and Princeton FCU completed Part 2 of Financial Counselor Training (FiCEP) offered here in New Jersey through a partnership between NJCUL, the National Credit Union Foundation, and CUNA.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – One of Liberty Savings FCU’s women-leader members, Tawana Mayer, founder of Teacher Empowering and Achieving (T.E.A.) Jersey City, a non-profit group that serves to empower and educate women in the community, hosted the organization’s fall workshop on Saturday. Liberty Savings FCU presented on the topic of “Budgeting for Your Better Life” during the event, titled “Living My Best Life Empowerment Conference.”

DEPTFORD, N.J. – South Jersey FCU President/CEO Ernest Huggard has announced his nomination for a director seat on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) Board of Directors representing New Jersey credit unions.

CAMDEN, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) has once again partnered with the Cooper Foundation during the month of October to raise money to #SWEEPOUTCANCER. During #PINKOUT, employees are encouraged to wear Pink every Friday during the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and SJFCU Members can donate money at any branch, with the proceeds going to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

ENDWELL, N.Y. - Visions Federal Credit Union has revamped its Web site to make it more user-friendly and informative. This new design makes it easier for members to identify helpful resources – all while retaining the functionality they have come to expect.

DEPTFORD, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) relocated its Voorhees branch this week. Still located in Eagle Plaza, they are now centrally located with a larger footprint. A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception was held on Wednesday, September 26th. Voorhees Mayor Michael Mignogna was honored with cutting the ribbon, marking the official opening of the Branch. A check was also presented in the amount of $1,000.00 to Voorhees Citizens Event Foundation.

DEPTFORD, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) employees presented a check in the amount of $2,000.00 to local representative Kristi Gonzales from International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA). The donation was made on behalf of the SJFCU employees’ “Charitable Journey” program and will be used for disease awareness, research, and clinical studies.

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the recipients of their various Scholarship Programs. These students have demonstrated academic excellence, community service, and participation in sports or clubs, where many held leadership positions.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey Foundation’s College Scholarship Program is offered annually to members who are getting ready to begin their college career. Students interested in applying were required to complete an online application. From tech-driven funding for large purchases to an innovative way to save for college, the applicants were challenged to develop a financial product or solution to help high school students.

DEPTFORD, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) has pledged $25,000 to the Stockton University Foundation for student scholarships. SJFCU will donate $5,000 per year for five years to establish the South Jersey Federal Credit Union Endowed Scholarship. Recipients are required to be full-time undergraduate or part-time or full-time graduate students in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey has been named Best-In-State of New Jersey by Forbes, a global media company focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifestyle.

DEPTFORD, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) announced the promotion of Kathleen Heid to Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Since January 2017, Heid served as the Vice President of Human Resources. She will continue to be responsible for developing and implementing consistent human resource processes, programs, and policies.

DEEPWATER, N.J. – Deepwater Industries FCU President and CEO, Ida Bowen, has announced that she will be retiring effective August 1, 2018. Bowen has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since February 2015. COO Sutton Gant has accepted the position of President and CEO effective August 1.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union donated more than 650 pounds of food and a $2,000 check to the Interfaith Food Pantry. This spring the credit union hosted the "Pay It Forward Food Drive," which was supported generously by credit union members and employees.

Nation’s Largest Ethnic Credit Union Recognizes 388 Young Members For Academic Achievement

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The end of the school year may represent the start to summer for most students, but for the nation’s largest ethnic credit union, it marks the start to handing out hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.

Bay Atlantic FCU, Thunderbolt Area FCU, Jersey Shore FCU and Members 1st of NJ FCU are accepting donations for the Kid Friendly Food Collection through to June 30, 2018. Donations can be dropped off at any of these credit union branches.

DEEPWATER, N.J. – Deepwater Industries FCU recently awarded two deserving high school seniors with scholarships to put towards their college costs in the Fall. Zachary Krough is the winner of the NJCUL’s Youth Involvement Board (YIB) scholarship and Ryan Cruice was selected by the credit union.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey (CUNJ) and Biz Lending & Insurance Center, Inc. (BLIC) conducted CUNJ’s 9th BreakFast Club Forum on April 27, 2018 at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton, N.J.

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union’s Social Action Committee coordinated a candy sale that took place January, February, and March of 2018 to raise money for FACES 4 Autism in Northfield. All five branches were involved in this great fundraiser, and after it was all said and done, a $500 check was donated to this amazing local organization. FACES 4 Autism supports children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum and those who love them.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – During the annual strategic planning session, after a vote from the full Board of Directors, Chairwoman Phyllis Ford named Arlene Bernard as the permanent CEO of XCEL Federal Credit Union.

PRINCETON, N.J. – Join Princeton Federal Credit Union from Monday, April 30th to Saturday, May 5th for their grand opening celebration of their new branch and headquarters at 774 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

VINELAND, N.J. – SNJ Todayhighlighted Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union’s participation in feeding local families of the Vineland community with the Vineland Rotary Club Hunger Project on April 14th. More than 100 volunteers form the area helped assemble 120,000 meals. Gail Marino, President/CEO of Bay Atlantic FCU (BAFCU) co-chaired the project along with BAFCU Board Secretary Bonnie Laube.

“In the face of costly compliance that financial institutions must deal with in a post-recession regulatory climate, as well as competition from large banking institutions,” local credit unions are looking to help small businesses that banks are shutting out, a recent article in the new ROI-NJ magazine points out. In the article, New Jersey Credit Union League President/CEO David Frankil and Credit Union of New Jersey President/CEO and NJCUL Chairman Andy Jaeger discuss untapped growth opportunities in serving the cannabis industry.

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union staff participates in quarterly charitable fundraising events to assist children and their families in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. For the first quarter 2018, proceeds were given to The Alcove Center for Grieving Children & Families.

VINELAND, N.J. – The Vineland Rotary Club held its second annual Hunger Project on April 14, 2018, assembling meal packets to feed 20,000 people in the Vineland community. Gail Marino, President/CEO of Bay Atlantic FCU (BAFCU) co-chaired the project along with BAFCU Board Secretary Bonnie Laube.

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is hosting its 9th Annual Meeting on Monday, April 23rd at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The meeting will be joined by special guest speaker and former Secretary of State of New Jersey Reverend Dr. De Forest Blake “Buster” Soaries, Jr. of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) donated over 750 books from the Little Rhino book series, authored by Ryan Howard, former Phillies first baseman and World Series Champion.

WASHINGTON – The Credit Union House and its board of directors welcomed its 2018 inductees into its Hall of Leaders last week. County Educators FCU President/CEO Glenn South, who passed away in 2017, and retired Jersey Shore FCU CEO and current board member Virginia Williams were among those inducted.

DEEPWATER, N.J. – Having exceeded its two previous fundraising goals, Deepwater Industries FCU is holding a Valentine's Day Basket drawing to benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and has shared a new video that highlights its partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network.

ENDICOTT, N.Y. – Tim Strong of Visions Federal Credit Union was recently promoted to Community Development Manager, a new role designed to ensure that Visions continues to devote time and resources into strengthening the communities in which they are located.

On Thursday, January 25th, Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union’s Social Action Committee presented a check for $500 to Gabriel Ruiz, Founder and CEO of K9 Warriors Inc. to help with the cost of training K9s for combat veterans in the area. All credit union employees wear jeans on Fridays and that money funded this donation.

EWING, N.J. — Credit Union of New Jersey’s (CUNJ) Jaime Gangone has been recognized as one of South New Jersey Business People’s (SNJBP) Top 40 Under 40. The award is given to the top 40 individuals under 40 years old who have contributed and demonstrated exceptional service within the South Jersey business community.

HIGHTSTOWN N.J. – The New Jersey Credit Union League is pleased to announce that Allison Macey, Business Development Manager at Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, has been selected to attend Crash the GAC 2018 by The Cooperative Trust and Credit Union National Association (CUNA)!

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) is hosting a book signing featuring the Little Rhino Book Series authors Ryan Howard, former Phillies first baseman, World Series Champion and partner at SeventySix Capital, and Krystle Howard on Saturday, February 10th to promote good sportsmanship and the importance of literacy.

HAMILTON, N.J. – Hamilton Horizons Federal Credit Union announced on Monday the promotion of Lisa M. MacIntosh, CPA, to Co-President/CEO. She will be sharing the duties of President/CEO with Cindy Rein-Zima.

HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – Credit union professionals gathered at Greater Alliance FCU this week for free HR management development training. This two-day “Supervisory Symposium” training is available to NJCUL member credit unions through a partnership with Rutgers University, underwritten by an $89,000 educational grant from the State of New Jersey secured by the League earlier this year.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – In the wake of such recent natural disasters as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria and the terrorist events of recent years, recovery planning and resilience for cities is becoming an even more vital topic for community discussion. Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union, under the guidance of its newly-appointed CEO, Maria Solorzano, recognized this and seized the opportunity to partner with Resilient JC in their endeavors for Jersey City in Hudson County.

With winter fast approaching, Atlantic Federal Credit Union reminds everyone to help out members in the community who are in need this holiday season. Atlantic FCU is kicking off their Annual Winter Coat Drive by collecting new or gently used coats to donate to those in need.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey held it's first Financial Reality Fair at Ewing High School for the 2017/2018 school year yesterday, reaching more than 100 students. The credit union sponsored two Reality Fairs last school year, reaching over 200 students total.

MEDFORD, N.J. – Martin J. Banecker, a prominent figure of the credit union industry and movement and dedicated family man, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017, at the age of 66, surrounded by his loving family. Banecker was the former President/CEO of Campbell Employees Federal Credit Union for 25 years and served on the NJCUL Board as well as the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Advisory Council.

NORTHFIELD N.J. – On Thursday, October 26th, Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union’s Social Action Committee presented a check for $700 to Mr. John DiNofrio, President of the Marianne DiNofrio Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation in memory of Credit Union Pioneer Marianne DiNofrio, to help raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research. All five of the credit union’s branches sold candy bars for $1.00 each.

The South-Central Chapter of Credit Unions made a donation of $200 to the National Credit Union Foundation’s (Foundation) CUAid disaster relief fund to help credit union people affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and those affected by the wildlife in California.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – The XCEL Federal Credit Union Board of Directors announced Friday the retirement of President/CEO Linda McFadden. The Board thanks McFadden for her contributions to XCEL FCU and the credit union industry, and wishes her an enjoyable retirement.

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) is hosting two book signings featuring the Little Rhino Book Series authors Ryan Howard, former Phillies first baseman and World Series Champion, and Krystle Howard on Saturday, November 11th to promote good sportsmanship and the importance of literacy and education.

VINELAND, N.J. – Bay Atlantic FCU recently received the Salvation Army’s Caring Hearts Award and Certificate of Achievement from Vineland Mayor’s Office in recognition of its generosity and dedication to the Salvation Army. The credit union recently dropped off cash donations to the Salvation Army for disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The annual Gen. Pulaski Day Parade along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on October 1 serves to kick-off National Polish Heritage Month every October. This year, the 80th edition of the colorful and culturally-rich parade was sponsored by the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) for the 30th consecutive year.

DEEPWATER, N.J. – Deepwater Industries FCU was voted best Financial Institution in Salem County. The credit union was recognized by the Salem County Chamber of Commerce, which announced the winners of its 2017 Best of Salem County program this week.

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union will host a National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Atlantic Street Park in Hackensack, N.J. on October 5th, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The credit union will share its commitment to serve and empower members of the Hispanic community, and will bring local neighborhoods and the credit union community together. The event will include special guests, music and dancing and refreshments as well as special promotions, including low interest loans, savings accounts, and checking accounts.

DEPTFORD, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union employees presented a $2,000 check to Effie Murphy, program coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association. The donation was made on behalf of the employees’ “Charitable Journey” program and will be used for Alzheimer’s research and services in the Delaware Valley.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey Foundation’s College Scholarship Program is offered annually to members as well as residents in Burlington and Mercer Counties who are getting ready to begin their college career. The Foundation recently awarded two, $2,500 scholarships. The recipients are Suzanne Saleh from Hamilton High School West and Kylie Amison from Steinert High School.

Five Southern New Jersey credit unions—Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Campbell Employees Federal Credit Union, Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union, Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union, and Thunderbolt Area Federal Credit Union—have formed a team, named “Credit Unions For A Cure”, for a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event in Ocean City, N.J. taking place October 15th. N.J. credit unions are invited to support and participate! For more information, click here.

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — On August 2, 2017, South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) employees presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to Effie Murphy, Program Coordinator from the Alzheimer’s Association. The donation was made on behalf of the SJFCU employees’ “Charitable Journey” program and will be used for Alzheimer’s research and services in the Delaware Valley.

MidState FCU was among the thousands of organizations that gathered with their local communities Tuesday for this year’s National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Five credit unions in southern New Jersey joined together to collect donations of Kid-Friendly Food from May 1 through July 31. Through this initiative, Thunderbolt Area FCU collected over 250 pounds of food for local children in need.

ELIZABETH N.J. – Edward "Eddie" Joseph Sisk, a patriarch of Elizabeth's fire department family as second-generation fire chief, leading figure in Roselle Catholic and Irish-American circles and youth sports coach, passed away at the age of 60 on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Sisk also served as Board Chair of Elizabeth N.J. Firemen’s FCU.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – The Board of Directors of XCEL Federal Credit Union has announced a change in leadership. At XCEL’s annual meeting held in June, the Board of Directors elected Phyllis H. Ford as the new Chairwoman. Ms. Ford has served on the Board since 2008 and was previously Vice Chair. Elevated to the Vice Chair vacancy will be Suzanne Taylor.

Five credit unions in southern New Jersey have joined together to collect donations of Kid-Friendly Food. When the school year ends, some children no longer have access to nutritious food. To combat this problem in their communities, a kid-friendly food drive started May 1 through July 31.

READING, PA – “The life journey of Tyrone Muse, CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union, proves that mentors make all the difference during a person's teen years,” says an article in the Reading Eagle’s Business Weekly section.

TINTON FALLS, N.J. – United Teletech staff members recently received free management training, which is available to NJCUL-member credit unions through a partnership with Rutgers University, underwritten by an $89,000 educational grant from the State of New Jersey secured by the League earlier this year.

KENILWORTH, N.J. – Recently, Atlantic FCU held its 82nd Annual Meeting. In past years, the credit union raffled off gift cards and provided door prizes to attendees. However, this year it opted for something more charitable, donating $1,500 to The Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

A memorial service has been set for Nancy Miller, a fixture in the New Jersey credit union community for 40 years, who passed away on June 13th. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home located at 703 Main Street in Toms River, N.J.

Recently, Atlantic FCU hung out with Wendy Williams and some of her amazing friends for the opening weekend of Wonder Woman. We sponsored the "Movie Night with the Hunters” fundraiser, which will help send 40 young girls from Essex County to YMCA Camp Mason this summer.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – June may signal the end of the school year for most, but nearly 340 high school and college students are already looking forward to the upcoming fall semester, as the nation’s largest ethnic credit union, Polish & Slavic FCU (PSFCU), awarded $400,000 in academic scholarships at ceremonies held last week at its offices in New Jersey, Illinois, and Brooklyn.

Nancy Miller, a fixture in the New Jersey credit union community for 40 years, recently passed away. Miller worked at and volunteered for over a half a dozen credit unions and was active in the League’s Mid-state chapter. Details on arrangements are not yet available, but will be provided by the League once they are published.

VINELAND, N.J. – Over 100 volunteers, including those from Bay Atlantic FCU, packed more than 100,000 meals on Sunday, June 11th, for distribution through food pantries to local families at the Rotary Club of Vineland’s Hunger Project held at the Vineland Salvation Army Building.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Jersey Shore FCU held a Reality Fair at Alder Avenue Middle School for the eighth grade math classes on Friday. This was the second Fair that Jersey Shore FCU has sponsored.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey held its second Reality Fair of the 2016/2017 school year at Ewing High School on Tuesday, reaching about 125 students. The credit union sponsored a Fair at the school back in November where it reached 150 students.

NORTHFIELD, N.J. – On April 1 of this year, the Chairman of the Board John C. DiNofrio officially retired from Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union (JSFCU). Later that month, he was honored at a testimonial dinner that celebrated his more than 53 years of service to the credit union movement. All of those 53 years were directly or indirectly tied to JSFCU.

WEST ORANGE, N.J. – Atlantic Federal Credit Union is sponsoring “Movie Night with the Hunters” coming to the AMC Dine-in Theater Essex Green Shopping Center Saturday, June 3, 2017. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the feature film is Wonder Woman (movie subject to change).

Aspire Federal Credit Union President/CEO Thomas O'Shea recently joined Mike Lawson of CUBroadcast in the Studio Lounge to discuss how his credit union has become a digital institution since converting to Corelation's KeyStone core.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey (CUNJ) and Biz Lending & Insurance Center, Inc. (BLIC) conducted CUNJ’s 7th BreakFast Club Forum on April 27, 2017 at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton, N.J.

VINELAND, N.J. – Bay Atlantic FCU, Members 1st of NJ FCU, and Thunderbolt Area FCU teamed up once again to bring the hands-on financial literacy experience to students at The Wallace School in Vineland. This is the fifth Reality Fair the three collaborated on this school and the fifth Reality fair held at the middle school.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey with branches in Dover, Newark and Maplewood, recently launched a quirky new branding campaign throughout Morris and Essex Counties in New Jersey. The campaign, designed to increase overall brand awareness while casually marketing other products indirectly, strikes a chord that resounds to many New Jerseyans … food! With ads ranging from pork roll, to late night diner stops, disco fries and Jersey tomatoes, Garden Savings opted for a look that was very different than many banking ads.

PARSIPANNY, N.J. – At a special retirement luncheon for long-time employee Helen Rykowski, Garden Savings FCU honored Rykowski with a Certificate of Appreciation for her 33 years of service to the credit union.

DEPTFORD, N.J. – Marci Brozi and Ashlee Bush, staff members of Research 1166 FCU, recently joined a group over 50 female volunteers that assisted Habitat for Humanity, a SEG of the credit union, build a house for a homeless vet.

MILLVILLE, N.J. – Bay Atlantic FCU, Members 1st of NJ FCU, and Thunderbolt Area FCU teamed up once again to bring the hands-on financial literacy experience to students at Millville Memorial High School.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey has been named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in New Jersey in the small/medium category by NJBIZ. This survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the top places of employment in New Jersey that benefit the state's economy, workforce and businesses.

DEEPWATER, N.J. – Deepwater FCU celebrated both Credit Union Youth Month and Financial Literacy Month in April. This year’s theme was “Give a Hoot About Savings,” chosen by credit union staff nationwide. The credit union gave kids an owl to color and then placed it on the tree branches of a display. The credit union also gave out owl bags to the kids who opened up a Kids Club account with a few goodies inside.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – The popular and growing New Jersey Credit Union Financial Reality Fair program made its sixth trip to the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River on Thursday to bring the hands-on financial literacy experience to 15 “First Year Experience” classes. This Fair served as a milestone for the program, marking its 60th Reality Fair conducted since the program began in 2010. Reality Fair have reached out over 7,100 students throughout the state.

This was the first year that Ocean County College made the Reality Fair program a co-curricular requirement for the college’s entry-level course. Around 100 students gathered in a large conference room for a brief orientation then were set loose to build their hypothetical lifestyles, pretending they just graduated and have started working in an entry-level position in their field of study.

Garden Savings FCU Chief Sales Officer Michael Powers was recently interviewed by NJ Ad Club on their regular Professional Spotlight Series web cast. The show features marketing professionals from throughout New Jersey discussing current and important marketing topics as well as unique challenges in their respective industries.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers FCU hosted its first-ever Reality Fair for Rutgers University on the college’s Busch Campus on Thursday.

The Reality Fair was held in conjunction with a career event for graduating seniors, named “Life After Rutgers” and hosted by the Student Support Services Team, which included a presentation on student loans, assistance with resume writing and interview skills, the opportunity to get professional headshots taken, and more.

Thursday morning, Glenn South lost his long battle and passed away waiting for a liver and kidney transplant at NYU Transplant Center in New York City. He was the CEO of County Educators Federal Credit Union in Roselle Park, N.J. for over 20 years, working at the credit union for 28 years. He was also Treasurer of Symbionce Financial Solutions, LLC, a mortgage CUSO based in N.J.

WASHINGTON – While the streets around the Washington monument will be filled with Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile runners Sunday, runners around the world will be participating in similar races. The 7thAnnual Credit Union SacTown Run in Sacramento, California and a Freedom Run in Kuwait will also take place Sunday, with another freedom run in Germany set for April 15.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey (CUNJ) and Biz Lending & Insurance Center, Inc. announces CUNJ’s 7th BreakFast Club Forum for Commercial Real Estate professionals – realtors, mortgage brokers, appraisers, developers, builders, investors, CPA’s, attorneys and other industry professionals. The BreakFast Club Forum will be held on April 27th from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton.

NEW YORK – The former HOPE FCU board chair and CEO and a board member face lengthy prison sentences for their roles in taking control of the credit union and using it to conceal an illegal Bitcoin operation that ran tens of millions of dollars in ACH transactions.

WASHINGTON – Two dedicated New Jersey credit union volunteers were recently inducted into the Credit House “Hall of Leaders”. Credit Union of New Jersey Vice Chairman Paul Bertuccini and Jersey Shore FCU Chairman John DiNofrio were honored during CUNA’s GAC for their commitment to the credit union movement.

WASHINGTON – XCEL FCU Board Member Stacey Walker recently received the Credit Union Times Volunteer of the Year Trailblazer Award. Walker accepted her award during the CU Times’ 2017 Trailblazer Award reception on Tuesday, February 28, at the Renaissance in Washington, DC, during CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Liberty Savings FCU has announced the appointment of Maria Solorzano as their new President/CEO. She assumed responsibilities as of January 1, 2017, succeeding James J. Miller, Sr., who has resigned as President/CEO after many years of dedicated service as he embarks onward towards a well-deserved retirement.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – On a beautiful, cool, sunny day, North Jersey Federal Credit Union (NJFCU) commemorated the addition to its latest group of branches by dedicating the building to its former Chairman, Frank Migliaccio.

Beloved by many who knew him, Frank passed away on January 22, 2017. During his 30 years of service on NJFCU’s Executive Board, Frank was wholeheartedly committed to serving the credit union and the North Jersey community.

WASHINGTON – Credit Union of New Jersey (CUNJ) will be honored with the inaugural CULAC Circle of Excellence award at this year’s CUNA GAC. New this year, the award will be presented annual to the credit union that raised the most funds for CULAC in its state during the previous year.

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) announced that Kathleen Heid has joined the credit union as Vice President of Human Resources and Training. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the HR Certification Institute and a Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) with more than 30 years’ experience in banking and financial services.

HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – Philip Pullen passed away after a battle with cancer on February 2nd. Pullen worked for the New Jersey Credit Union League as Vice President of Member Services and went on to be CEO of BMS FCU before retiring.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – North Jersey FCU (NJFCU) will dedicate the grand opening of its new branch by naming it in honor of Frank Migliaccio, NJFCU’s former Chairman who recently passed away on January 22nd, 2017. During Frank’s 29 years of service on NJFCU’s Executive Board, Frank was always committed to serving the credit union and the North Jersey community.

HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – The New Jersey Credit Union League partnered with the National Credit Union Foundation for the third consecutive year in 2016 to offer a program to New Jersey credit unions to affordably have staff members trained as financial counselors through CUNA’s FiCEP program.

MILLVILLE, N.J. – Chuck Wyble, president of the Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM), and Lisa Jester, executive director of the museum, thanked Bob Millard, president of Thunderbolt Area Federal Credit Union, for being the first "Top Gun" community sponsor of the 2017 Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow which will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27 and 28.

EWING, N.J. – Credit Union of New Jersey (CUNJ) has a commitment to help its members be in control of their financial lives. In 2016, six CUNJ employees went through a rigorous process to become certified financial counselors through the Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP). These six employees will now be able to help those in difficult financial situations, whether it is a life changing event or just being able to set a budget for a brighter future.

TOTOWA, N.J. – North Jersey Federal Credit Union Chairman Frank Migliaccio passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne, N.J. He was 75 years old. Migliaccio served on the North Jersey FCU Executive Committee for over 30 years, 25 of which he served as the Chairman of the Board. “He truly lived and embodied the core values of our credit union, ‘people helping people’,” said the credit union.

MADISON, Wis. – Credit union organizations can now apply for a Biz Kid$ Financial Education Grant from the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) through March 31, 2017. The Foundation is looking to distribute up to $75,000 in grant funds to credit union organizations as part of this effort.

KENILWORTH, N.J. – Atlantic Federal kicked off its Annual Winter Coat Drive in November and will continue to accept donations through February 2017. Since November, Atlantic FCU has already collected enough coats to help several dozen families.

RIO GRANDE, N.J. – Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union (JSFCU) collected gifts for their Rio Grande Branch Starfish Angel Tree to benefit a family of four from the Family Promise of Cape May County. Members from the Rio Grande Branch and JSFCU staff generously collected presents from clothes and shoes to toys and gift cards.

NORTHFIELD, N.J. – Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union’s membership embraced the spirit of the holiday and collected gifts for the children staying at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Over 300 gifts poured in for children that may not have had the opportunity to receive a gift at all.

HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – The estimated economic contribution of New Jersey credit unions to the state’s economy in 2015 was $1.8 billion, according to CUNA’s “Estimates of Credit Unions’ Economic Contributions by State” report. In 2015 there were 180 credit unions in New Jersey serving over 1 million members (tax paying working class New Jerseyan) –12% of the state’s population. Credit unions contributed 8,941 direct and indirect jobs and $455M in direct and “induced” labor income, according to the report.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – It appears that the Federal Reserve’s rate increase has spurred at least a few banks and credit unions to significantly boost CD rates, according to Bankrate.com.

Among the newsmakers is XCEL Federal Credit Union. XCEL’s rate sheet improvement includes a 5-year CD paying 2.50% APY, which handsomely tops the 2.27% APY available from the best-paying national bank, says Bankrate. XCEL is also offering 1.75% APY on 3-year CDs, which is enough to tie the top national bank.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – It may be the busiest time of the year for Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick but, that didn’t keep him from making an appearance at Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union’s (LSFCU) Main Service Center in Jersey City, New Jersey last week. The family-focused event was hosted by the credit union as a holiday gesture for the community and fundraiser for the Kenmare School for Women and Children, also located in Hudson County.

NEWARK, N.J. – As a newly designated Juntos Avanzamos credit union, North Jersey Federal commemorated the relocation of its Newark branch from the Rutgers University trailers (on Bergen Street) to 186 West Market Street in the upper level of the University Shopping Mall with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

ENDWELL, N.Y. – Visions Federal Credit Union will add between 150 and 200 employees at its Endwell headquarters over the next ten years as it expands the size of its Endwell headquarters over the next two years.

Andrews Federal Credit Union recently served as a sponsor for the International Basketball Tournament held on S.H.A.P.E. The event brought together 10 teams, who played in over 25 games across 6 days, for an intensely competitive tournament.

SUITLAND, MD. – Andrews Federal Credit Union partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a family in need. Staff from Andrews Federal Credit Union’s New Jersey region volunteered their time to help with floor installation, painting, power washing, cabinet/hardware installation, and landscaping.

VINELAND, N.J. – Bay Atlantic FCU (BAFCU) celebrated its 13th year of Saturday with Santa this past weekend, a day for all ages that benefits Children’s Miracle Network at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Vote For Miracles asks consumers to “Help Credit Unions Donate $100,000 to Local CMN Hospitals” by inviting them to vote for their favorite CMN Hospital to win up to $50,000, thus engaging voters in the credit union difference. As a “Thank You” to credit unions for 20 years of national support, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals’ #VoteForMiracles promotion is designed to showcase credit unions’ support of their local communities.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Garden Savings FCU recently donated $5,000 to Children’s Specialized Hospital. This is in addition to the $7,500 the credit union raised for the hospital at its annual golf outing this past July, bringing the grand total of funds raised to $12,500 in 2016. The credit union raises money all year long by encouraging staff to wear jeans on Fridays in exchange for a $5 monthly contribution that goes to the charitable organization. The executive team of Garden Savings also participates and provides a $20 monthly contribution.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – The popular and growing New Jersey Credit Union Financial Reality Fair program made its fifth trip to the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River on Friday to bring the hands-on financial literacy experience to 15 “First Year Experience” classes.

NORTHFIELD, N.J. – Jersey Shore FCU (JSFCU) is ringing in the holiday cheer for the children of South Jersey by collecting gifts for their Starfish Angel Tree and selecting a lucky child to receive a giant teddy bear with a wagon full of toys.

FREEHOLD, N.J. – At 6 a.m. at three secret locations last week, New Jersey motorists were stunned to be greeted by employees of First Financial Federal Credit Union where they received $25 in free gas, plus a travel coffee mug. In the wake of New Jersey’s 23-cent gas tax hike, the credit union eased the pain at the pump for 150 drivers with a total of $3,750 in free gas last week.

MADISON, Wis. – Forty credit union professionals became Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) after being guided by dedicated program facilitators and mentors through the intensive Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training from the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation). The most recent DE graduating class included credit union movement representatives from across the U.S, as well as representatives from Kenya and the Philippines.The DE training was held November 2-9, 2016 at the Lowell Center in Madison, Wis.

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. – South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) contributed a $25,000 endowment to Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC). The endowment will be used to fund two scholarships annually over the next 10 years.

FREEHOLD, N.J. – For one day only, November 15, starting at 6 a.m., the first 50 New Jersey motorists to visit the Exxon station at 639 U.S. 9 North and the corner of Strickland Rd, Freehold, N.J. will receive up to $25 in free gas.